Wales scrum-half David Bishop made his debut for Pontypool in 1981, not long after being told that he would no longer be able to play the game after breaking his neck. A prodigiously talented player, Bishop won only a single international cap due in part to controversy.

While still in his teens he was imprisoned following an incident in Cardiff city centre and was later handed an 11 month playing ban and a suspended sentence for breaking Chris Jarman's jaw in a derby against Newbridge.

Overlooked by Welsh selectors in favour of Robert Jones, Bishop eventually "went north" and signed for Hull Kingston Rovers. He said: "Before I went north to join Hull KR in October 1988 I was not only the best Welsh scrum half, I was the world's best.

"Australia's Nick Farr-Jones and Richard Hill of England agreed with me, but rugby's hierarchy were not having me and they broke my heart and I switched codes for £120,000."